Fire crews from Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and Northern Lakes Fire District were fighting a blaze on Canfield Mountain when, around 2 p.m. local time, they came under rapid sniper fire from a concealed position. One firefighter radioed that they believed the fire had been set intentionally to draw responders into a kill zone.

Suspect Found Dead

By Sunday evening, SWAT teams located the body of a male suspect on the mountain with a high-powered rifle nearby. Officials lifted the shelter-in-place order but said the wildfire remained active. Bruce Mattare, chairman of the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners, said authorities are awaiting confirmation that only one person carried out the attack.

Intentional Wildfire Tactic

Law enforcement is investigating whether the fire was ignited to ambush firefighters. “It appears to be a planned attack,” Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Howard told ABC News. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned what he called a “heinous direct assault” and urged residents to pray for the victims and their families.

Investigation Underway

FBI technical teams and tactical units remain on scene to assist local authorities. Investigators are reviewing emergency-radio feeds that captured pleas for help and are interviewing witnesses among hikers who fled the area amid the gunfire. The wounded firefighter underwent surgery and is in stable condition.